Oklahoma Sooners may not be done with one elite 2027 recruit who chose another school over them just yet
The Oklahoma Sooners would love to flip 1017 athlete Gideon Gash from Texas Tech. But it would certainly take some work.
The Oklahoma Sooners are not slowing down on the recruiting trail, even with a game on the schedule this weekend. While much of the attention has focused on the 2028 recruiting class, where OU already has its quarterback in Trey Tagliaferri and several projected elite commitments, there are still loose ends to tie up in the 2027 cycle.
One of the biggest: Four-star athlete Gideon Gash, a top-50 national recruit who committed to Texas Tech months ago but appears to still have Oklahoma on his mind. Gash was one of the most highly sought-after uncommitted players in the 2027 recruiting cycle before he chose the Red Raiders over the Sooners.
That decision made sense for several reasons. Texas Tech is a good football program, one that has not been afraid to spend money over the last few years. According to Rivals, Gash’s NIL valuation sits at $450,000, and it’s fair to wonder whether Oklahoma was willing to match that figure for a player who doesn’t play a premier position like quarterback.
Gash is worth the pursuit
That said, Gash is the type of prospect who could be worth every dollar. He’s the No. 3 athlete in the country, the No. 3 player in the state of Michigan, and a 94.33 composite-rated recruit who is knocking on the door of five-star status. Out of Detroit Catholic Central, Gash is a 6’4, 205-pound two-way player who can line up in the secondary, potentially grow into a linebacker role, and contribute as a pass catcher on offense. There’s not much this guy can’t do.
In his initial recruitment, Gash was down to Oklahoma and Texas Tech before picking the Red Raiders. But Oklahoma doesn’t really just give up on prospects, even after they commit elsewhere. The Sooners are the ex who keeps popping up on your Instagram feed even after you’ve moved on. That analogy might not be perfect, but it fits here, because Gash himself acknowledged it.
“I’m committed to Texas Tech and loyal to them, but Oklahoma is sticking around the picture and I’m curious how it goes,” Gash told Rivals.
Brent Venables isn’t letting go
Sooners coach Brent Venables is going to keep checking in on players like Gash because that’s who he is. Venables is a strong recruiter who spends significant time and energy getting to know prospects and their families. A lot of it is genuine care. But some of it is also that the Sooners really want Gash on their roster, and he would be a significant addition to an already loaded team.
Will it happen? The chances probably say no. But Oklahoma certainly has a shot. They recruited Gash hard before his commitment, and it appears they’re still recruiting him hard now.
Would a flip completely change the landscape of OU’s 2027 recruiting class? Yes. At a 94.33 composite rating, Gash would be a massive addition to a class already considered top 3 in the country. Venables and his staff are not giving up on landing him, and based on Gash’s own words, the door is not fully closed. Keep an eye on this one.
